Ramadan is the most blessed month of the year for Muslims worldwide. Not only was the Quran revealed during this month, but fasting is also prescribed for Muslims during Ramadan. The significance of this month is such that in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah SWT Himself says [1]:
the month of Ramadan during which the Qur’an was revealed as a guide for mankind, and clear proofs of guidance and discernment.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said regarding Ramadan, as narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) [2]:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: « When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained. »
Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Decree
One of the most distinctive aspects of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, or Laylatul Qadr.
Layl means Night and Qadr means Power or Decree. So Laylat al-Qadr means The Night of Decree or The Night of Power. Allah SWT says in the Quran [3]:
Indeed, We sent it down (the Quran) on the Night of Decree.
And who will tell you what the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is?
The Night of Power (Al-Qadr) is better than a thousand months.
During this time the Angels and the Spirit descend, by permission of their Lord for every command.
She is peace and salvation until the break of dawn.
So, from the Quran, we learn that it is the night on which the Quran was revealed and that it is the best night of the year, so that any good deed done on this night is a thousand times better than what is done on other nights.
Furthermore, in the Quran, Allah SWT says [4]:
We sent it down on a blessed night. Indeed, We are ever the One who warns. On that night is decreed every wise matter. This is a command from Us. And it is We who send [the Messengers] as a mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
There is a difference of opinion regarding the exact timing of Laylat al-Qadr. However, in numerous Hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) advises that one should seek Laylat al-Qadr on the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. Thus, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan could be Laylat al-Qadr.
Reported by Hz Aisha (RA) [5]:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: « Seek the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan. »
Narrated by Ibn Umar (RA) [6]:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: « Seek him during the last seven days (of Ramadan). »
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) [7]:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever establishes prayers on the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) with sincere faith and hoping for reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Once again, as Abu Hurairah (RA) relates [8]:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever establishes prayers on the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) with sincere faith and hopes for Allah’s reward (by not seeking retribution), then all his past sins will be forgiven.”
No special worship is prescribed for this night. One can commit to offering prayers, making supplications, reciting the Quran, or simply performing a good deed such as charity. To support us in this endeavor, the following prayer to be recited on Laylat al-Qadr was transmitted to Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) [9]:
O Allah! You are the Great Forgiver, You love to forgive. That is why I ask for Your forgiveness.
May Allah enable each of us to engage in sincere worship during this blessed month, and especially on Laylat al-Qadr, so that we may all benefit from Allah’s mercy, InshaAllah! Ameen!
References
- The Quran 02:185 (Surah al-Baqarah)
- Sahih Bukhari Vol 03, Book 31, Hadith 123
- The Quran 97: 01-05 (Surah al-Qadr)
- The Quran 44:03-06 (Surah Ad-Dukhan)
- Sahih Bukhari Vol 3, Book 32, Hadith 237
- Sahih Bukhari Vol 9, Book 87, Hadith 120
- Sahih Bukhari Vol 3, Book 31, Hadith 125
- Sahih Bukhari Vol 1, Book 02, Hadith 34
- Tirmidhi; Ibn Maja; Kitab al-Dua
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